Chapter Five – A Serious Conversation

Lady Cora touched her husband's hand lightly. "Robert, look at Mary and Matthew. Have you ever seen two people so very much in love?" Robert looked down the length of the table. The affianced couple was rapt in conversation with one another. They might have been the only two people in the room. Mary was laughing. Matthew would not take his eyes from her.

"I still can't believe it," replied Lord Robert. "I mean, we all knew it, didn't we? Perhaps after her break with Carlisle, it was only a matter of time."

"It may have been Mary's plans for America that finally brought Matthew to his senses. Whatever it was, let us be grateful. I've already sent a letter to my mother with the news."

"Will she be disappointed, I wonder?" Robert turned to Cora. "I fear she still hasn't forgiven me for having stolen your heart across the ocean, along with your dowry. She may have had a grand scheme to get Mary settled permanently in America. Her last laugh, if you will. " Robert smiled wryly and took a sip from his wine glass.

"I'm sure you're right," Cora sighed. "Thank God we're to avoid all that. I could not have borne having another daughter so far from home. Having Sybil in Ireland is bad enough."

Lady Cora soon rose and began the slow migration of the ladies to the drawing room. Lord Robert went to join forces with Matthew in yet another volley of alcohol. He sat down next to him.

"So, my dear chap," Robert began. "I'm not one to comment on affairs of the heart if it can be avoided. But I make an exception in this case. No other match for my daughter could have pleased me more." Robert tipped his glass to Matthew and took a drink.

"Thank you, Robert." Matthew's manner was unsettled. He shifted his glass of brandy from one hand to the other. "I appreciate your confidence. I love Mary very, very much. You must know that I will do everything in my power to keep her safe, to spare her any sorrow."

"Of course, Matthew. What is it? There's something on your mind."

Matthew's eyes were very serious and he spoke in earnest. "It's a delicate topic." He paused. "Perhaps I've had too much to drink. We might discuss it later. "

Robert's brow furrowed. "Please, Matthew. Continue."

Matthew took a deep breath and another drink. "Mary has given me her account of the events relating to Kamal Pamuk. She told you as well."

Robert was stunned but managed to reply, "Cora told me." He put his glass down and sat back in his chair. So Matthew knew. Lord Robert did not know whether to feel dismay or relief.

"Please understand," Matthew continued. "The episode means nothing to me. Your daughter is dearer to me than anything else on this earth. That will never change."

Robert regarded Matthew with compassion and respect. "I'm glad we are speaking of this. Do you know as well that Carlisle bought the story from Bates' wife? Then he used it to extort Mary's affections, to keep her bound to him?"

Matthew nodded. "And now that story hovers above her like the Sword of Damocles." He shifted his gaze to his glass. "Can you think of anything more despicable?" He looked up at Robert intently. "When he hears of my engagement to Mary, it may well be the tipping point. He will be more likely to publish now than not."

"True. Still I can't see a way out of it."

"Robert, that is my point exactly. I cannot be expected to stand idly by under these circumstances. When I think of Mary's despair as she told me of it..." Matthew clenched his jaw. He shook his head.

"Steady on, Matthew. An angry man does not, cannot think intelligently."

Matthew took another drink. "I want to meet with Carlisle. He has the wealth of a king so no amount of money will turn his head. I shall have to persuade him that publication of Mary's story will do him more harm than good."

Lord Robert set down his empty glass. "Matthew, I cannot say what I would do in your stead. But I will say this. Men like Carlisle don't respond well to threats. If you mean to have him listen to you, you will have to cater to his ego."

"I hope you can trust my motives, Robert. I think only of Mary and her happiness."

"Yes, of course." Robert put his hand on Matthew's shoulder. "No one could doubt it, my good man. You will keep me apprised?"

"I will. Now I'm afraid I must be off. My head is splitting. A function of the wine, I guess." Matthew smiled sheepishly and rose from the table. "Please make my excuses to Cousin Cora and Mary."

"I'm sorry for that. Shall we see you tomorrow?"

"Yes, I hope so." Matthew stopped suddenly. "Would you pass on a message to Mary for me? Just tell her that I've not forgotten our wager…inside joke, I'm afraid."

Lord Grantham smiled. "As fiancés, you're entitled. Goodnight, Matthew. And thank you."

Matthew made his way to the front entrance where Carson was waiting. The butler helped him with his overcoat and handed him his hat. "Thank you, Carson." Matthew put on one glove and patted his pocket for the other. "I'm afraid I'm missing a glove." Matthew looked about randomly on the ground. A distant bell rang.

"I have to see to that call, Mr. Crawley, but I will be back directly to lend a hand."

"It's all right, Carson. I can manage. Good night." Matthew watched him as he disappeared into the next room. Assuring himself of a clear path, Matthew slipped quickly down the hall and up the grand staircase.

Robert had rejoined the ladies. "I'm sorry, my dear Cora, but Matthew had to make an early exit. He sends his regrets."

Mary's heart sank. "Really, Pa-pa? Has Matthew left?"

"Yes," her father replied, "He dearly regretted having to leave but it seems he was not well, he had a headache. He asked me to remind you about your wager with him, Mary. Inside joke, apparently." Lady Edith and Lady Cora both turned to Mary expectantly.

"It's a bit of silliness, really." Mary smiled. She was sad, happy and puzzled all at once. "This afternoon, we challenged each other in a race. I won and it seems he wants to redeem himself."

"I think it's wonderful that Matthew is riding again," Cousin Isobel said brightly. "He needs to get out from under his books and files. I'm glad to see you getting him out there, Mary."

"Yes, of course," replied Mary.

"Mary, are you quite all right?" Lady Cora inquired of her daughter. "You look pale."

"I'm fine, Ma-ma. I'm just overtired. It's been quite a day." Mary looked to her father. "I hope you won't be disappointed if I turn in early."

"Not at all, dearest," answered her father. "I'll have Carson send for Anna."

After proper farewells were exchanged, Mary left the company of her family and climbed the stairs.